Getting more legroom after an operation

[Maxf]

I had a knee operation a few weeks ago and am flying (my surgeon is happy for me to fly) next week to Seattle with BA in cattle. I have a letter from the Surgeon asking that they try and give me some extra legroom.

So... I can't have exit row seats as I would guess I wouldnt be considered mobile enough to be able to open the door and leap off the plane. Looking online it seems that the other usual suspect legroom seats have gone.

Is it a case of me calling them and pleading my case, or checking in at the airport early? Am I best off checking in online anyway to make sure I have at least an isle seat, then seeing if I can get something a bit more roomy at the airport?

I'd sooner not pay anything/much more for the flight as it's pretty expensive already (not a business paid flight). At the moment, Premium Economy is another 80% of the price I've already paid. I have miles, but no upgrades are available with miles (in fact, I dont think I've ever seen any available).

Are letters like I have realistically worth anything, in terms of getting a better seat?

[Beardy10]

Your best bet is to book a seat online but get there early and ask for a bulkhead seat. These seats are not normally released until check in is opened as they are kept back for people travelling with babies.....I don't think your letter will make a jot of difference to be honest. If they've got spare seats they allocate them first come first served...they won't kick someone out of one of those seats because you have a letter. I'd get to the airport at least three hours before departure....check how long before flying they open check in up and be there then.

Your other option is to ask about paying for an upgrade at the desk....they may have to upgrade people anyway so you may just get lucky and they may upgrade you for free. BA sometimes do very cheap deals on last minute upgrades.

[BliarOut]

If the worse comes to the worse get an aisle seat on the opposite side to your bad leg. Makes a huge difference (assuming you need to keep the leg relatively straight)

[sneijder]

BliarOut said:

If the worse comes to the worse get an aisle seat on the opposite side to your bad leg. Makes a huge difference (assuming you need to keep the leg relatively straight)

This, or pay around £250 for the next cabin at check in, it should be available.